Wchs Starburst

STARBURST KICK-OFF RETURN
Starburst #1-kick is to the left hash.

3
2
1
D
LP
RP
The main purpose for the return is to slow down or stop

pursuit while our backs find daylight at full speed.
1. 1st level - Five front lineman will line up on the 48 yard line as in most kick-off
returns and sprint back ten yards. The lineman will then form a wall with splits
about 5 yards apart. Their primary job is to stop the initial penetration by what we
call L5,4,3 and R5,4,3. These coverage guys have the quickest pathway to the
dealer. We always block the same on the front line. This helps with the deception
because the coverage team has no clue who is going to get the ball. Always looks
the same.
2. 2nd level Two protectors lined up at the 30 35 yard line depending on the
kicker you are facing. Must be good blockers and have decent speed. The
responsibility of the two protectors is to protect the dealer. If the ball is kicked to
the left side of the field, the LP (left protector) will quickly rotate in front of
where the dealer is about 5-7 yard. His job is to protect the dealer from the first
sign of penetration. The RP(right protector) will quickly close down the area so
that he can protect the dealer from the first signs of penetration from the wide
side.
3. 3rd level The dealer is the most important person in this scheme. He should line
up on the 20-25 yard line. We usually use a second or third string QB to handle
the ball. Once the ball is kicked he will position himself to the middle, left hash or
right hash about ten yards from the return backs.
4. 4th level The 1&2 return men will line up on 10-15 yard line. The 3 return man
will line up on the 5-10 yard line. Once the ball is kicked, the back who receives
the ball will be the first to pass the dealer.
a. good fakes, full speed, spread the field with your runners.
b. back who catches the ball will always be the first to go. (Lets say #3
catches the ball.)
c. The next to go will be in numerical order. (After #3, then #1 and then #2
will go. If #2 catches the ball then #1 and then #3.)
d. In the above diagram #1 will be getting the ball. When we call this return
in the game we just call Starburst 1. Again in the above diagram #3
catches the ball. He will sprint straight up field hand the ball to the dealer
and continue up the field full speed like he has the ball.
e. Next #1 will be sprinting immediately behind #3 and the dealer will hand
him the ball as he sprints up the left sideline and then #2 will be coming
directly behind him to receive the fake hand off and sprint to the right side
of the field.
f. After making the handoff the dealer will need take a quick knee to keep
from getting hit and if he is hit it usually results in a penalty. Weve had
that happen at least 2 or 3 times. However, most times the coverage team
doesnt even notice him because theyre concentrating on the backs.
g. The one counter we have off this is 4. the dealer fakes to all the backs,
then pauses as if to take a knee and turns and runs straight up field. What
makes this successful is the backs continuing to sprint up the field as if
they have the ball.
* We use this return to start the game and as a change of pace to start the
second half. Sometimes we will try it again and if it continues to work we will
continue to use it. You must practice the mesh with the backs and dealers this
needs to be done Tuesday Thursday. Dont give up on the play. It will look
like crap the first couple of times you run it.
*First game of the season last year we scored a touchdown of the play. Scored
three with it last year.Most of the season when we used it our starting field
position would usually be from the 38 to the 50 yard line. As the season went
on some teams started squib kicking or what we call a corner kick to the 25.
Usually we would still start with the ball on the 35. Well take that position.
*When you practice the play with the dealer and the backs, work from hash to
hash. The backs have to move to where the ball is just as the dealer does.

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STARBURST KICK-OFF RETURN

Starburst #1-kick is to the left hash.

The main purpose for the return is to slow down or stop

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